💑 If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry in the United States, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows your partner to enter the U.S. for that purpose. It’s a popular route to eventual permanent residency—but one that requires careful timing, documentation, and legal strategy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the K-1 visa process.
Who Qualifies for the K-1 Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
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Be engaged to a U.S. citizen (green card holders are not eligible)
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Have met in person within the last two years (exceptions possible)
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Be legally free to marry
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Intend to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.
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The U.S. citizen must meet income requirements to sponsor
Step-by-Step Process
1. 📝 File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
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Filed by the U.S. citizen
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Include proof of relationship and intent to marry
2. 📩 Receive USCIS Approval
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Case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC)
3. 🛂 Consular Processing & Interview
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The foreign fiancé(e) attends a visa interview in their country
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Submit documents: passport, police certificates, medical exam, proof of engagement
4. ✅ K-1 Visa Issued
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Valid for 6 months
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Allows one entry to the U.S.
5. 💍 Marry Within 90 Days
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Must marry the petitioning U.S. citizen only
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Failure to marry results in loss of status and risk of removal
6. 🧾 Apply for Green Card (Form I-485)
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After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for adjustment of status
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Can also apply for a work permit and travel authorization
Common Challenges
🚫 Red flags that can delay or deny a case:
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Large age differences without shared life evidence
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Inability to prove in-person meeting
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Lack of common language or conflicting testimonies
BorderlessLawyers K-1 Visa Services
📚 We help with:
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Form I-129F petition and USCIS strategy
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Gathering strong relationship evidence
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Preparing for the consular interview
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Post-marriage adjustment of status
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Waivers, if applicable, for prior immigration violations
FAQs
Q: What if we marry outside the U.S. instead?
You’ll need a CR-1 spousal visa, not a K-1.
Q: Can my fiancé(e)’s children come too?
Yes—minor children may apply for K-2 visas.
Q: Can we extend the 90-day period?
No extensions. If you don’t marry, your fiancé(e) must leave the U.S.
Love Across Borders? We Make It Legal.
Let BorderlessLawyers guide you through the K-1 visa journey with precision, care, and the legal support your relationship deserves.